Trump stops White House Muslim’s Eid dinner tradition

US President Donald Trump broke away from traditions followed by three of his predecessors by doing away with hosting a White House Eid dinner.

The nearly 20-year-old tradition was practiced in the White House since President Bill Clinton’s tenure.

The Eid al-Fitr feast marks the end of Muslim festival of Ramadan – a period when believers fast and focus on charitable giving.

Trump’s decision is said to be influenced by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who reportedly rejected a request to hold a reception for Muslims.

However, Trump on Saturday issued a statement sending his “warm greetings” to Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan, after his administration broke with the tradition of hosting a White House event to recognize the holy month.

“On behalf of the American people, Melania and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr,” Trump said in a statement.

In May, Reuters had reported that Tillerson refused a recommendation from the State Department’s office of religion and global affairs to organise the religious celebration.